macbeth: plot summaries. Flashcards
use this link. its aimed at KS2 but really helpful: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/school-radio/english-ks2-macbeth-index/zkxcbdm
act 1 key information and events.
where: bleak Scottish moorland.
who: macbeth and banquo- kings generals.
discover the 3 witches and they prophesise that ,macbeth will be promoted 2, 1st to thane of Cawdor, 2nd to king of scotland.
Banquo’s descendants will be kings bit her won’t b. they want to hear more but the weird sisters disappear. duncan shortly after makes macbeth thane of Cawdor as a reward for his bravery in battle- promotion supporting the prophecies.
king makes brief visits to macbeth castle that evening. lady macbeth gets a letter from macbeth telling her about the witches, the prophecies and the promotion and that duncan was coming to their castle. she vows to help him become king by any means necessary.
act 2 key information and events.
who: macbeth.
macbeth returns to castle followed almost immediately by duncan. macbeths plot together to kill duncan and wait until everyone is asleep. at the appointed time lady macbeth gives the guards drugged wine so macbeth can enter and kill the king. he regrets it almost immediately but LM reassures him. macbeth brought the daggers out of the room so LM goes back and put them in the room whilst smearing the guards with the blood all just before macduff arrives- knocking at the gate.
when macduff discovers the murder macbeth kills guards in a show of rage and retribution. Duncan’s sons malcolm and donalbain flee fearing their leaves and also in case they are blamed for the murder.
act 3 key information and events.
who: macbeth.
becomes king of scotland. plagued by feelings of insecurity. remembers prophecy banquos descendants will become kings and arranges for banquo and his son to be killed by hit men. banquo i skilled but his son escapes. at Macbeth’s banquet that night macbeth sees the ghost of banquo and worries the courtiers with his mad response. LM dismisses the court and unsuccessfully tries to calm him.
act 4 key information and events.
who: macbeth.
seeks out the witches who say he will be safe until birnham wood marches into battle against him. he also doesn’t need to fear anyone born of woman. prophesy that the Scottish succession will still banquos son. macbeth embarks on a reign of terror slaughtering many including macduffs family. macduff had gone to seek malcolm at the court of the english king. malcolm is young and unsure of himself but macduff pained with grief persuades him to lead an army against macbeth.
act 5 key information and events.
who: macbeth.
feels safe in his remote castle at Dunsinane until he is told birnham wood is moving towards him. Malcolm’s army is carrying tree branches from the forest as camouflage for assault on Macbeth’s stronghold. overwrought and conscience ridden LM walks in her sleep and tells her secret to her doctor. she does suicide. as final bayttle commences macbeth hears of LM suicide and mourns.
int he midst of a loosing battle macduff challenges macbeth. macbeth learns that macduff is the child of a caesarean birth and realises he is doomed and submits to his enemy. macduff triumphs and bring the head of macbeth to malcolm. malcolm declares peace and goes to scone to be crowned king.
